[ LETTER ]

Replace Republican Incumbents With Democratic Candidates

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 12:11 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, May 8, 2014 at 12:11 a.m.

Central Florida has a dilemma regarding its Congressional representation. The state Legislature has gerrymandered three safe Republican districts including districts 10, 15 and 17, seats currently held by Daniel Webster [R-Winter Garden], Dennis Ross [R-Lakeland], and Tom Rooney [R-Okeechobee].

These incumbents are strongly supported by the tea party. All recently voted for the proposed budget of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan [R-Wis.]. It calls for privatizing Social Security, making Medicare a voucher program, eliminating the Affordable Care Act and generally failing to promote any legislation benefitting their constituents.

Ironically, gerrymandering also created a relatively safe district for Alan Grayson [D-Orlando], arguably the most progressive congressman in Washington.

Vote these Republican gentlemen in and seniors can worry about the viability of Medicare and Social Security. The safety net for the poor will be shredded. Wall Street will be deregulated and will run wild. The excellent parts of the ACA will vanish, and women will lose important health care benefits.

There are many excellent Democratic alternatives out there. In District 10, Bill Farree, Mike McKenna, and Shayan Modares are competing against each other. They will face off in an Aug. 26 primary. The winner to be paired against Mr. Webster. In District 15 Alan Cohn will be running against Mr. Ross. In district 17 Will Bronson will likely face Mr. Rooney.

Replace the present Republican incumbents with the aforementioned Democratic candidates, and seniors can rest easy as their Medicare and Social Security will be safe. Fifteen million people will keep their health insurance. Medicaid will be expanded.

Job training and infrastructure funds will become available. Wall Street will be regulated. Women will see more wage equalization and enhanced medical services. Obstruction will become passe.

Study the candidates and their positions, and then vote your own best interests.

<p>Central Florida has a dilemma regarding its Congressional representation. The state Legislature has gerrymandered three safe Republican districts including districts 10, 15 and 17, seats currently held by Daniel Webster [R-Winter Garden], Dennis Ross [R-Lakeland], and Tom Rooney [R-Okeechobee].</p><p>These incumbents are strongly supported by the tea party. All recently voted for the proposed budget of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan [R-Wis.]. It calls for privatizing Social Security, making Medicare a voucher program, eliminating the Affordable Care Act and generally failing to promote any legislation benefitting their constituents.</p><p>Ironically, gerrymandering also created a relatively safe district for Alan Grayson [D-Orlando], arguably the most progressive congressman in Washington.</p><p>Vote these Republican gentlemen in and seniors can worry about the viability of Medicare and Social Security. The safety net for the poor will be shredded. Wall Street will be deregulated and will run wild. The excellent parts of the ACA will vanish, and women will lose important health care benefits.</p><p>There are many excellent Democratic alternatives out there. In District 10, Bill Farree, Mike McKenna, and Shayan Modares are competing against each other. They will face off in an Aug. 26 primary. The winner to be paired against Mr. Webster. In District 15 Alan Cohn will be running against Mr. Ross. In district 17 Will Bronson will likely face Mr. Rooney.</p><p>Replace the present Republican incumbents with the aforementioned Democratic candidates, and seniors can rest easy as their Medicare and Social Security will be safe. Fifteen million people will keep their health insurance. Medicaid will be expanded.</p><p>Job training and infrastructure funds will become available. Wall Street will be regulated. Women will see more wage equalization and enhanced medical services. Obstruction will become passe.</p><p>Study the candidates and their positions, and then vote your own best interests.</p><p>DON McKENZIE</p><p>President</p><p>Greater Winter Haven Democratic Club</p><p>Winter Haven</p>